Jamie Kern Lima’s journey from a small town girl to a billionaire entrepreneur is truly inspiring. She is best known as the co-founder of IT Cosmetics. Jamie’s journey is one of determination, creativity and never-give-up attitude.
With an estimated net worth of $460 million, she was the first-ever female CEO within L’Oreal and current CEO to make a deal at that price for a company owned by L’Oreal. Her book was also featured in the New York Times bestseller list in 2019. Jamie has inspired numerous entrepreneurs globally.
Table of Contents
What Was Jamie Kern’s Net Worth?
Before she made her big exit from the brand, Jamie Kern Lima, the entrepreneur and co-founder of IT Cosmetics, had an estimated net worth of $460 million. Most of that income came as a result of the success of IT Cosmetics, which she sold to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion in 2016, becoming the first female CEO of a L’Oréal brand in its history. But Kern wasn’t just a businesswoman; she was also a media personality, philanthropist and all-round inspirational woman who left behind an immense legacy beyond financial gain.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Jamie Kern Lima |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | San Rafael, California |
| Education | Washington State University (BA), Columbia Business School (MBA) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Author, Former News Anchor, TV Personality |
| Net Worth | $460 million |
| Major Achievement | Co-founder of IT Cosmetics, sold to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion |
| Spouse | Paulo Lima |
| Children | 2 |
| Notable Book | “Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable” |
| Awards | Forbes Self-Made Women, CEW Achiever Award, TIME Influential Figure |
| Real Estate | $35 million mansion in California, multiple investments |
| Key Challenges | Struggles with rosacea and makeup for sensitive skin |
| Philanthropy | Focused on mentorship and empowering women entrepreneurs |
Early Life
Jamie Kern Lima was born on July 16, 1977, in San Rafael, California. Her upbringing in humble beginnings instilled in her the value of hard work and setting lofty goals. Kern Lima attended Washington State University, where she earned a degree in communications. She later went on to study at Columbia Business School, where she received an MBA. It was through experiencing problem skin herself in her early life that she discovered the concept for IT Cosmetics.
TV Career
Before she launched her own makeup empire, Jamie Kern Lima appeared on the reality show competition “Big Brother” in 2000. Her down-to-earth personality and easy humor quickly made her a popular figure. Afterward, she struggled to find makeup that wouldn’t irritate her sensitive skin while working as a reporter and anchor for local news stations. Inspired by that lack of inclusive options, she decided to start her own business.
Radio Career
Along with her television work, Kern also delved into radio for a time, hosting a program that mixed entertainment and helpful tips. Although her stint on the air was relatively brief, it demonstrated just how adaptable she was and how easily she could relate to all kinds of people. It also helped her hone her impressive communication skills, which would later play a significant role in developing her beauty empire.
Journalism and Books
Jamie Kern’s career in journalism marked a pivotal moment in her life. As a news anchor, she learned how to confidently present herself in front of the camera. Her on-air struggles with makeup led her to start a company that would make products for real women.
In 2021, she published a bestselling book, “Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable,” where she shared her story of going from a small town girl to becoming a business magnate. The book was well received by the critics, and it also motivated several budding entrepreneurs around the world.
Awards
- America’s Richest Self-Made Women (multiple years)
- CEW Achiever Award for her contributions to the beauty industry.
- TIME Magazine’s one of the most influential figures in the beauty world.
- Her dedication to empowering women and championing inclusivity in the beauty world was widely lauded.
Personal Life and Death
Jamie Kern Lima married her business partner and co-founder of IT Cosmetics, Paulo Lima. The duo was not only professionally compatible but also shared a deep passion for philanthropy as well as guiding young entrepreneurs. Jamie Kern Lima and her husband Paulo have two children together and have lived a family-oriented life based on the ideals of service and giving.
Jamie Kern Lima is alive and still impacting the beauty and business space through her ventures as well as mentorship programs.
Real Estate
With her massive fortune, Jamie Kern Lima invested in sprawling real estate. Her most impressive home is a $35 million mansion in California, and she also owns additional investment properties all over the United States. Jamie’s homes are the perfect blend of luxury and convenience with contemporary design and beautiful natural surroundings.
Read More: Huda Kattan Net Worth
FAQs
1. What is Jamie Kern’s current net worth?
As of 2025, it’s estimated that Jamie Kern Lima’s net worth is $460 million from her stake in IT Cosmetics and investments.
2. What inspired her to create IT Cosmetics?
Her struggles with rosacea and the fact that there wasn’t available makeup that worked for her sensitive skin made her create a brand that focused on inclusivity and real-world solutions.
3. Is Jamie Kern still involved in IT Cosmetics?
Yes! In fact, she remains the beauty brand’s most powerful marketing tool. Since selling the company to L’Oréal, Jaime has turned her focus on mentorship and philanthropy.
